“Oedipus the Wayfarer,” completed by Gustave Moreau circa 1888, is an oil on canvas painting that falls within the Symbolism art movement. The artwork, measuring 95 x 125 cm, is a mythological painting depicting a dramatic and allegorical scene.
The artwork portrays the moment from Greek mythology when Oedipus encounters the Sphinx. The Sphinx, a majestic and dominating figure with the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and a human face, is perched on a rocky outcrop. Oedipus, clad in dark garments and holding a staff, stands before the Sphinx, seemingly engaged in the fateful riddle that would decide his destiny. The background is composed of rugged cliffs and a stormy sky, which heighten the tension and atmosphere of the scene. Around the Sphinx, the lifeless bodies of those who previously failed the riddle contribute to the somber and ominous tone of the composition.
